AAP Applauds President Obama's Gun Violence Prevention Plan

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is working with President Obama to begin addressing the national gun violence problems. In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting that took the lives of 20 children and six adults, policy makers hope to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

As outlined in a recent press release, the AAP submitted multiple policy recommendations to the President during meetings in early January with the White House Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention. The President accepted many of the AAP's recommendations, including an enforced ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, and a mandatory background check for anyone who purchases firearms. These measures have become part of President Obama's extensive plan to curb gun violence.

The AAP reportedly agrees with President Obama that the country's citizens need improved access to quality mental health care. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the President's new plan includes better screening processes to identify individuals of any age who need mental health services, and more comprehensive insurance coverage to help defray out-of-pocket costs. More funding will be given to state-based programs to help older children specifically, so they don't fall through the cracks after turning 18 or leaving school.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the President's plan includes more federal aid to hire school counselors and psychologists who can offer accessible help to children. The President proposes to train teachers and counselors in "mental health first aid," so that students showing signs of mental illness can receive immediate help. Hopefully, these school staff members can both catch mental health issues in children before they escalate into violence and also provide support to children who are victimized by trauma. Although controversial, the President's plan also calls for placement of more police officers at schools around the country to discourage attacks and protect children from direct threats.

Thomas McInerny, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, notes that the Academy is pleased with the President's call for stronger gun laws. The AAP hopes that Congress will similarly act to pass swift, effective legislation to provide more comprehensive access to mental health care and better regulation of firearms. Many private citizens echo this same hope.

The nation was stunned and grieving after the horrific Newtown shooting, and after every other mass shooting in our history. Children deserve safe environments in which to develop, without fear of being gunned down in their homes, neighborhoods, and schools.

What are your thoughts on gun violence prevention and the President's new plan? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

More Blogs

Nicole Stevens

Nicole Stevens is a 30-something mom of four adorable kids. Her passions include spending time with her babies and doing research in the laboratory. She also enjoys crafts, photography, crochet, reading, and long walks. Her work has appeared elsewhere on WhattoExpect.com.

About Word of Mom

WhatToExpect.com supports Word of Mom as a platform dedicated to honest, engaged, informed, intelligent, and open conversation about pregnancy and parenting. However, the opinions expressed in this section are those of individual parents/writers and do not reflect the views of Heidi Murkoff or the What to Expect brand.

The material on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, or in place of therapy or medical care. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy

Advertising Notice

This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about your visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like to obtain more information about these advertising practices and to make choices about online behavioral advertising, please click here